Komuso: The Healing Art of Zen

1. (Betsuden) Echigo-Sanya

2. Kyo-Choshi

3. (Futaiken) Reibo

4. Shizukesa

5. Mujushin-Kyoku

6. Hifumi Hachigaeshi

7. Sogei No Kyoku

8. Shishi No Kyoku

9. Yamato-Choshi

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The Komuso were priests of the Fuke-Shu sect of Zen Buddhism who wandered Japan during the Edo period (1600-1868). These priests would take the problems and illnesses of people upon themselves, attempting to help them by playing a particular style of shakuhachi flute music called Sui-Zen. They sought to have their "patients" become completely embraced by their music, allowing them to let go of all distractions, worries, problems, and stresses. The "ko" in komuso means "emptiness" or "nothingness"; this concept of quieting the mind was the aim of these healing priests. Government reforms lead to abolishing the Fuke sect and abandoning all of its temples. It was only by good fortune that the healing repertoire of the Zen shakuhachi survived. In many ways, Ronnie Nyogetsu Seldin is a modern-day komuso.

About the Artist Ronnie Nyogetsu Seldin has been playing the shakuhachi flute for over twenty-five years. In 1978 he was awarded the rank of Shi-han (Master) in recognition of his work of spreading the teaching of this instrument in America; in 1980, he received his Dai Shi-han, or Grand Master’s license. In 1975, he began his work with an organization called Hospital Audiences that brings music into hospitals and homes for the aged. Since then, he has had the opportunity to use the healing repertoire of the shakuhachi to bring peace and recovery to many troubled people. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Tracks:

(Betsuden) Echigo-Sanya
Kyo-Choshi
(Futaiken) Reibo
Shizukesa
Mujushin-Kyoko
Hifumi Hachigaeshi
Sogei No Kyoku
Shishi No Kyoku
Yamato-Choshi

Album Description

The Komuso were priests of the Fuke-Shu sect of Zen Buddhism who wandered Japan during the Edo period (1600-1868). These priests would take the problems and illnesses of people upon themselves, attempting to help them by playing a particular style of shakuhachi flute music called Sui-Zen. They sought to have their "patients" become completely embraced by their music, allowing them to let go of all distractions, worries, problems, and stresses. The "ko" in komuso means "emptiness" or "nothingness"; this concept of quieting the mind was the aim of these healing priests. Government reforms lead to abolishing the Fuke sect and abandoning all of its temples. It was only by good fortune that the healing repertoire of the Zen shakuhachi survived. In many ways, Ronnie Nyogetsu Seldin is a modern-day komuso.

About the Artist Ronnie Nyogetsu Seldin has been playing the shakuhachi flute for over twenty-five years. In 1978 he was awarded the rank of Shi-han (Master) in recognition of his work of spreading the teaching of this instrument in America; in 1980, he received his Dai Shi-han, or Grand Master's license. In 1975, he began his work with an organization called Hospital Audiences that brings music into hospitals and homes for the aged. Since then, he has had the opportunity to use the healing repertoire of the shakuhachi to bring peace and recovery to many troubled people.

Customer Reviews:

OOOoooohhhmmmmmmmmmmm !.......2007-05-09

I could almost get lost in this one. After living in Japan back in the 70's studying with a master potter, (who liked to listen to Mozart, by the way), and developing an appreciation for the shakuhachi, I find this to be a favorite among my classical Japanese music albums.
I put it on the other day while fixing dinner, and I could swear, (even though my Momma taught me not to!), that the food came out better than usual.
All comedy jokes aside, if you like oriental instruments, this group of Healing Music tunes will certainly be enjoyed.

RELAXINGLY CONTEMPLATIVE MUSIC FROM JAPAN'S PAST . . ........2004-04-12

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I was very pleased with the quality of the traditional Japanese music on this CD and the attention given to its recording. I'm not one for saying that music in and of itself can heal, but I'm not one for saying it can't play a big part either - especially if the listener believes it can. One thing for certain, this music is very relaxing and I do believe it can help you clear your head and concentrate better. That's one reason why I'm such a big fan of classical Japanese music. It's also uplifting and, in a sense, "purifying" in a very noble and simple way.

All the songs here, save one composed by the performer himself, are taken from traditional Japanese komuso (healing priest) music and its various schools from different historic periods of Japan. Ronnie 'Nyogetsu' Seldin holds the rank of grand master on the shakuhachi and performs brilliantly on all sizes of the instrument (1.8', 2.0', 2.4', 2.8', and 3.0').

Introduce yourself to some music that is truly unique, calming and that just may help you find a comforting corner in today's troubled world.

Music That Can Heal.......2004-02-28

Ronnie Nyogetsu Seldin has been playing the Zen shakuhachi for over 25 years, and in 1978 he had been honored with the status of Shi-han (Master) in respect to his work in spreading the method of playing this wonderful instrument to others in the United States. In 1980, he received the title of Dai Shi-han (Grand Master) for his authoritarian skill with the shakuhachi flute. He has since aimed his mission at playing for those with terminal illnesses and at nursing homes for the elderly, in an attempt to ease their body and mind. Many of these people have testified that indeed they do feel more at ease while listening to Ronnie play with this haunting ability.

The word komuso is derived from the title given to priests of the Fuke Zen sect who traveled all over Japan during the Edo period. These komuso would take on other's diseases and worries upon themselves, striving to help heal these people with a style of shakuhachi playing known as Sui-Zen. Since that time the Fuke sect has died out pretty much, and yet the Zen shakuhachi flute carried on. Ronnie plays in the spirit of such komuso, and one could in effect call him a bodhisattva for doing so.

This CD is hauntingly pleasing, taking one's mind into a deeper state where many of our worries and troubles simply do not stay alive. Every track has the power to heal an overly stressed mind that is still at the office while trying to relax at home. They even can transport you to the calm of home life while at the office when played. His skilled ability with this instrument truly gives one the impression of hollowness, as though they have all the room within their being to be filled up. That's the aim of a komuso playing this wonderful flute for us, to empty our minds and return us to our original unknowing state. If you have an illness or know someone who does, this CD is a wonderful gift for either of you. If you are simply looking to find some high quality music to play while in meditation, this also is a sure bet. It's for everyone. Come listen to Ronnie Nyogetsu Seldin as he takes mind away...

Speaking directly to your soul.......2002-12-27

Ronnie Nyogetsu Seldin's playing is beyond doubt from the soul and as such speaks the language of the soul. I listen to this and get lost in my own thoughts, letting time and all my tension slip away.

Few have achieved Ronnie's comfort and intimacy with the Shakuhachi, and it comes through in this album. Though nothing can duplicate a live performance (I have had the priviledge of hearing him live several times) this compilation will come close enough to make you feel you are walking among the Komusos.

a mystical fog hangs effortlessly in the trees..........2000-05-26

Simply a beautiful collection of zen shakuhachi from a truly gifted artist, who's skill with breath, tongue and finger, and unity with the hollow, wooden instrument, produces a music that truly enters that which is deep within. You can feel why it heals. Great for meditation or simply for enjoying the beautiful sounds that come from carved trees and those who love them. Enjoy.

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